Dalmatian Pelicans in Bulgaria 2025
Take your camera and set off to watch the funny Dalmatian pelicans on Bulgarian wetlands
Best time: January–mid-March
Bulgaria has become a top destination for birdwatching, thanks to Dalmatian pelicans. These birds got their name due to the presence on the back of the neck "manes" of elongated, swirling feathers. Usually, there are 80-100 pelican pairs in reserve.
Dalmatian pelicans can be seen in a colony at the Srebarna UNESCO reserve from mid-winter to mid-March. Migratory pelicans are also quite common on another spot, which is biggest natural lake in Bulgaria—Lake Bourgas.
During migration, the Nature Conservation Center Poda is also of great importance for Dalmatian pelicans. During the winter months, the Atanasovsko Lake territory is used primarily for birds' feeding and resting.
The best place to see Dalmatian pelicans is located on the Greek lake of Kerkini, three hours drive from Sofia. In the middle of this lake, some unique platforms were built for the pelican's nesting. Here, they can be photographed throughout the winter.
Practical info
Where can one observe Dalmatian pelicans in Bulgaria?
Dalmatian pelicans can be seen at the Srebarna UNESCO reserve and Lake Bourgas. Atanasovsko Lake territory is also used by the birds primarily for feeding and resting during winter. Lake Kerkini, situated in Greece, is another location where these birds can be observed. Platforms built in their nesting habitat let the visitors see the birds up-close during winter.
When is the best time to visit Bulgaria for birdwatching Dalmatian pelicans?
To birdwatch Dalmatian pelicans, one should visit Bulgaria from January to mid-March, as the birds are present in the colonies there. Lake Bourgas is another location where they can be observed. During migration, the birds can be seen at the Nature Conservation Center Poda. Visitors can observe the nesting behavior of the birds on Lake Kerkini during winter for a memorable experience.
What is the number of Dalmatian pelican pairs in Bulgaria?
In the colony at Srebarna Reserve, there are between 80-100 pairs of Dalmatian pelicans. During the migratory period, the birds frequent Lake Bourgas in the area. At this time, they are commonly seen, although there is no specific record available on the number. The Srebarna Reserve offers visitors the chance of birdwatching different species of birds alongside Dalmatian pelicans.
What other types of birds can be seen in Atanasovsko Lake during winter?
Aside from Dalmatian pelicans, visitors can see hundreds of other bird species in Atanasovsko Lake area during winter. Little Bitterns, Red-crested Pochards, Sociable Lapwings, ducks, swans, and geese are a few examples of the birds present in the area. With the high number of bird species present, bird enthusiasts will undoubtedly have an exciting experience birdwatching at the reserve.
Can visitors take photos of Dalmatian pelicans on Lake Kerkini?
Indeed, visitors can take photographs of Dalmatian pelicans on Lake Kerkini from the specific platforms built for visitors. These platforms offer a chance to capture photographs of the birds in their natural habitat during winter. Photographing the birds nesting and interacting with each other on the lake can be a remarkable experience for bird enthusiasts and photographers alike.
